I tried Charlotte’s best fried chicken — this spot is truly a clucking good time
Walking into Original Chicken ‘n Ribs on an early Tuesday afternoon, the first thing that hit me wasn’t just the smell of crispy, golden fried chicken — it was the sense of history. The small carry-out spot on Beatties Ford Road has been serving Charlotte for over 70 years, and judging by the stream of customers waiting for their orders, it’s clear this place is still a staple.
After our readers voted it the best fried chicken in the city, I had to see for myself what makes this spot stand out. Was it the crunch? The seasoning? The nostalgia? I was about to find out.
When my order came out, the first thing I noticed was the sheer amount of food in front of me — fried chicken, ribs, mac and cheese, fries, fried okra, hushpuppies and collards. Everything was steaming hot, and the smell alone was overwhelming in the best way possible. The rich aroma of seasoned fried chicken mixed with the smoky scent of ribs and buttery hushpuppies had my stomach grumbling before I even picked up a fork.
My first reaction? Wow. And not just because I hadn’t eaten yet. This was the kind of meal that made you pause for a second, just to take it all in.
Before even taking a bite, I put the fried chicken to the ultimate test — the crunch test. Swiping my fork back and forth on the skin, I could hear the crispiness from a mile away. It was like a crispy ASMR. That’s when I knew this was going to be good.
The crispy, golden crust had the perfect balance of crunch and crispness, giving way with a satisfying bite before revealing the juicy, tender white meat beneath. Seasoned to perfection, every bite was packed with flavor, the kind that lingers just long enough to make you go back for more. The meat itself? So juicy it practically melted in my mouth.
More than just fried chicken
But that was just the fried chicken. Next up, the rest of the spread. After that fried chicken, I was ready for more — and let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed.
Ribs: The smell of the BBQ sauce hit me first, rich and saucy, like a warm embrace. One bite and I could feel the tender meat practically falling off the bone. It was everything you’d want in ribs — saucy, meaty, and downright satisfying.
Mac and Cheese: This side dish is comfort in a bowl. The cheese and noodles were perfectly seasoned, each bite packing just the right punch. The crispy edges added that extra bit of texture that every mac and cheese lover craves.
Fried Okra: If you’re a fan of fried okra like I am, this will make your heart skip a beat. The crispy, golden exterior was perfectly balanced with the earthy, fresh flavor of the okra itself. I could’ve eaten these like popcorn — so addictively good, I almost forgot about the rest of my meal.
Collards: These collards were a pleasant surprise. They were on the sweeter side. The sweetness balanced the natural bitterness, making each bite a dance of flavor. It was a nice twist on the usual savory collard greens I’m used to.
Hushpuppies: These hushpuppies were massive—and just as delicious as they were big. Buttery, smooth on the inside with a crispy, golden crunch on the outside, they were packed with flavor.
Fries: You can’t go wrong with fries, and these crinkle-cut beauties didn’t disappoint. Perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of seasoning salt, they were the ideal sidekick to everything else on the plate.
As much as the food itself speaks for this place, what really sets Original Chicken ‘n Ribs apart is the history behind it.
This isn’t just a neighborhood spot — it’s one of Charlotte’s oldest and most beloved institutions. Originally opened in 1952 by Jermaine Blackmon’s grandfather, the family-owned restaurant has been a fixture on Beatties Ford Road.
In fact, the restaurant’s legacy goes beyond just the delicious food. It holds a place in history as one of the few businesses featured in The Negro Motorist Green Book, which provided African American travelers with safe and welcoming places to eat, sleep, and refuel during the Jim Crow era.
Before I wrapped up my visit, I remembered something Blackmon said about the recognition his restaurant received: “I’m totally shocked by the support that we have from the community and my clientele that I was voted to be the best chicken in Charlotte without even knowing it,” he told CharlotteFive.
But I wasn’t shocked. Charlotte got this one right.
The fried chicken, the ribs, the sides — everything was top-notch. It’s clear that Original Chicken ‘n Ribs isn’t just serving food; it’s serving up a taste of history, hospitality, and, of course, some of the best fried chicken in the city.
Original Chicken ‘n Ribs
Location: 1100 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Cuisine: Southern, fried chicken
Instagram: @chicknribz
Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
